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Mind in Croydon wins the NHS London Mental Health

Mind in Croydon has won a prestigious NHS Health and Social Care Award for their highly innovative approach to working with people with mental health problems. Mind in Croydon’s “portfolio of innovation” includes services such as sailing, boxercise, horticulture and a service user documentary film group. The work has enabled clients to engage in unique and innovative projects that promote their recovery and well-being. The projects also go a long way to challenging stereotypes and overcoming the stigma associated with mental health problems.

Front line staff and service users from Mind in Croydon were amongst over 150 finalists and guests who celebrated the NHS London Regional Health and Social Care Awards 2009 at Bafta in London on Wednesday 27 May. This year hosted by BBC Radio London's Robert Elms, the annual awards celebrate excellence and innovation in health services and reward NHS staff and those from the voluntary sector for their dedication in providing care and support to patients every day of the year.

Ruth Carnall, Chief Executive for NHS London said: “The awards allow us to recognise the achievements of our colleagues and to celebrate their talent and commitment to provide the highest standards of care for Londoners. It was a pleasure to be able to highlight our hardworking colleagues, and celebrate the very best of the NHS in the capital.”

Judges were impressed by the way challenges around the stereotypes of what is ‘seen as suitable activities’ for those with mental health problems were overcome by the Mind in Croydon team and that these negative views didn’t stop them from going ahead with providing these unique opportunities for people.

Danni, who has benefited from the multi-award winning Mind in Croydon Boxercise project which is run in partnership with three times world champion boxer, Duke McKenzie, accepted the award on behalf of the team. She said: “Boxercise has been the miracle I needed to put myself back together. In March I got my Level 2 YMCA fitness qualification. Boxercise and Mind have changed my life.”

The Boxercise project has been funded by Croydon PCT. Funds for the “portfolio of innovation” also come from the City Bridge Trust, Film London and from the Big Lottery and Comic Relief via the Time to Change anti-stigma campaign.

The team from Mind in Croydon will be attending the national awards ceremony, due to be held on 8 July 2009. Hosted by Alan Johnson, the ceremony is taking place at the Excel centre in London's Docklands, and will be attended by NHS staff from across the country.